By Bob Marovich In July, Voorhies Hanniboheez of Detroit received the 2015 Rhythm of Gospel Award for Best Performance by a Christian Hip Hop Artist. It was his first public honor and confirmation of a journey that has taken a decade to crystallize. “[This award] means everything to me,” Voorhies told JGM. “I never really saw myself as a performer. I knew I would end up with a beautiful album, because I truly did it for God. No connections, no help. But this tells me that God wants me to perform in front of His people.” Voorhies—“my first name is a family name”—grew up in Detroit and started out in freestyle battle rapping. “I started rapping when rap happened,” he said. “I grew up in the Run DMC era, LL Cool J, the mid-’80s. Those guys were my inspirations as far as the art form, the way they put words together. Then I heard people like Big Daddy Kane and Rakim, who took it to the next level, used double entendre—it was like poetry. Their voices were instruments. I fell in love with the art form and realized this is something I wanted to do with my life.” The rapper crafted his stage name by combining Hannibo, from the battle rapper’s boast of chewing the other guy up like Hannibal Lector, with “Boheez,” the way some childhood friends mispronounced his first name. “I put the two together and came up with Voorhies Hanniboheez. I know it’s a pickle to pronounce, but for me, it has a history and a lot of meaning.” Follow the Journey Welcome Back "DODI"
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Detroit, Michigan-based gospel recording artist Audra”Dodi” Alexander singing is a manifestation of a divine gift. The depth of her soulful voice is matched only by the power and passion of her performance. With her upcoming release due out 2016, Dodi is creating an energetic blend of contemporary gospel and Christian pop which she hopes will inspire and uplift those who listen.
Born and raised in Lansing Michigan, family and friends noticed early on that there was something magical about Dodi and her voice. As early as the age of eight she was writing songs in hopes of one day being able to inspire others through her gift. Throughout her early life, Dodi never lost sight of her dream and sang whenever she was able.
After a short time singing with her family at local churches and various functions, Dodi moved to Detroit to begin actively pursuing her dream. Upon her arrival in Detroit she joined the gospel group Adoration ‘N Prayze. That experience launched her onto a larger stage where she began to sing background for world-renowned artist such as The Clark Sisters, Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Amp Fiddler, Vicki Winans, Charlie Wilson and Chaka Khan to name a few.
Though eternally grateful for the experience, Dodi wanted to share her own experiences with joy, heartbreak and deliverance with the world. Pairing with long-time friend Pamela Taylor, Dodi, under the direction of producers Steve Corbin and “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, released the self-titled album ‘Pam & Dodi’ in 2002 on MCA..The undeniable success of this LP opened up many doors for the duo and led to features on a Stevie Wonder Christmas Special, the talk show ‘Oh Drama’, the Bobby Jones Gospel, Soul Train, BET Celebration of Gospel, New Artist Showcase at the Stellar Awards. And the soundtrack to the movie “Two Can Play That Game”.
Another door open up for Dodi when she was asked to audition for a role in the hit gospel play, Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys” She nailed the audition and went on to perform in other productions across the country. To her credits are roles in “I Won’t Be the Other Women, I Will Always Love My Momma, and If These Hips Could Talk.
In 2008, Dodi decided that it was time to get back to her true love-recording gospel music. She immersed herself in working on a solo album under the guidance of producer-songwriter Cordell Walton of 12 Noon Music Co. Having produced songs for Charlie Wilson, Deitrick Haddon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and many others, Walton knew that a solo project for Dodi was well overdue. “Dodi has the type of voice that makes you feel every word,” says Walton. She’s been there and back as they say, so her vocals come from such a deep-rooted, genuine place that every song she sings is a personal testimony.”
Dodi’s self-titled debut album was released on Walton’s label in 2008 and featured famed producers Marcus Devine and Kenny Hickson.
The upcoming release will pick up where the first left off and focus on healing the soul, while uplifting the heart. Like the previous, the album will showcase Dodi’s Amazing vocal talent. However, she wants the focus of the project to remain on GOD. “My music is my way of continually giving GOD the glory,” she says.” He is the reason for my gift.”